Manufacturer Honda Class Mid-size MPV Related | Production 1996-present Body style minivan Predecessor none | |
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The Honda Stepwgn (stylised as STEPWGN) is a mid-sized MPV produced by Honda since 1996. It is designed with a higher cabin, in contrast to the Odyssey and later also the Stream. Additionally, it can accommodate 8 people, instead of 7 in Odyssey and Stream. In standard form the car has one door on the driver's side but two doors on the pavement / sidewalk side.
Contents
- F MX 1995
- Initial release 1996
- 1997 update
- Stepwgn Field Deck 1998
- 1999 update
- Initial release
- Stepwgn Stepwgn Almas 2001
- 2003 update
- Production
- Third generation 2005 2009
- 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon concept 2006
- 2006 update
- Engines
- Transmissions
- Fourth generation 2009 2015
- Facelift
- Modulo Stepwgn 2010
- Stepwgn Modulo Style 2013
- Fifth generation 2015
- References
F-MX (1995)
The first generation Stepwgn originally appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show as the "F-MX" in 1995.
Initial release (1996-)
Japanese sales began on 8 May 1996. At that time, most rival Japanese vehicles usually had the engine mounted under the driver's seat, or a cabover type. The Stepwgn used the latter, and was based on the Civic, to keep prices low - starting from ¥1,548,000 and going up to ¥2,368,000. The passenger side was fitted with a sliding door, to allow easier access. To improve profitability, cost reduction measures were used, such as there being only one engine and transmission option (a 2-litre in-line 4 and a -cvt=countinously variable transmission automatic), and the vehicle design reduced the use of steel panels and parts. be in the Japanese, Australian and Indonesian
1997 update
Changes include standardizing ABS and dual SRS airbags throughout the range and further adding a number of convenience features.
Japan models went on sale in August 1997 at Honda's Primo, Verno and Clio networks.
Stepwgn Field Deck (1998-)
It is a version of Stepwgn with pop-up observation/tent, designed for outdoor leisure pursuits and made out of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).
Japan models went on sale in January 1998 at Honda auto dealers.
1999 update
The vehicle received a facelift in May 1999. The appearance of the headlights was altered, and the rear license plate position was moved down.
Initial release
The second generation Honda Stepwgn debuted in April 2001, largely based off the first generation's design.
The second generation Stepwgn used a design that was geared towards families with children. The Stepwgn retained its sliding doors located on one side of the vehicle. The vehicle's seating allows 4 different seating arrangements: "play mode" (sitting opposite each other), "food mode", "sleep mode" and "cargo mode" (the second row of seats is folded flat). A 2.0L Honda K engine DOHC i-VTEC engine powers the second generation Stepwgn, providing 160 PS (117.7 kW), improving both driving performance and fuel economy. Some parts were stiffened in order to further enhance driving performance.
The vehicle was unveiled in 35th Tokyo Motor Show.
Stepwgn, Stepwgn Almas (2001-)
Stepwgn Almas includes conventional side door lift model or passenger seat lift mechanism
Early models include i-Series 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. Stepwgn Almas models went on sale on 11 June 2001.
2003 update
In June 2003, Honda significantly modified the design: both the front and rear fascias were altered to fit the look of other Honda vehicles, and the "Spada" series was introduced, available with a 2.4L K24A DOHC i-VTEC, producing 162 PS (119.2 kW), and a unique fender.
The vehicle was unveiled in 37th Tokyo Motor Show 2003.
Production
For the first 6 months of year 2004, sales of Stepwgn in Japan reached 24,389 units.
Third generation (2005-2009)
The third generation Honda Stepwgn saw a completely new design.
Honda announced the third generation Stepwgn on 26 May 2005. Unlike the previous generations, which only featured sliding doors on one side, the third generation featured sliding doors on both sides, in order to compete with other minivans such as the Nissan Serena and Toyota Estima. Thanks to the new low-platform chassis, though the size of the car was shrunk, interior accommodation space remains unchanged. This also improved the handling of the vehicle. The overall length had also been shortened, although the platform retains the Civic-based design and employs a thin plastic fuel tank in order to provide a low floor. The Stepwgn was available with a double wishbone-type suspension with an FF axle or a de-Dion style suspension (4WD models).
Japan models went on sale in May 2005 at Honda automobile dealers.
2006 Tokyo Auto Salon concept (2006)
Modulo Stepwgn Concept is a concept vehicle based on Stepwgn, with around-vehicle sensors.
Stepwgn Modulo Concept X Final Room is a concept vehicle based on Stepwgn, with around-vehicle sensors.
The vehicles were unveiled in 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon.
2006 update
Changes include:
Japan models went on sale in May 2006.
Engines
The third generation Stepwgn is powered by either a 2.0L K20A engine rated 155 PS (114.0 kW), or a 2.4L K24A engine rated 162 PS (119.2 kW).
Transmissions
The 2.0L model retained a 4 speed automatic transmission, whilst the FWD 2.4L model was fitted with a CVT transmission.
Production
At the month of November 2005, sales of Stepwgn in Japan reached 7,093 units.
Fourth generation (2009-2015)
The fourth generation Honda Stepwgn is a full redesign of the model. The new model increased in height and length, but remained the same width, when compared to the previous generation. The Stepwgn Spada model returned, keeping its unique grille and headlamp design. The Stepwgn is available in seven trim levels: G, G L Package, L, Li, Spada S, Spada Z and Spada Zi. The 2.4-litre engine was dropped from the lineup, with only a 2.0-litre petrol option currently available. The Stepwgn is available with either front- or four-wheel-drive across the range.
Japan models went on sale in October 2009. Early models include Step WGN, Step WGN special-needs vehicle. Step WGN Spada and Step WGN Spada special-needs vehicle were added on 23 October 2009.
Facelift
In 2012, there was a minor change to the Stepwgn, featuring a new front grill, a new front bumper, new rear lights and rims. Also, a parking camera was included in all models.
Modulo Stepwgn (2010-)
It is production vehicle based on Honda Stepwgn.
The vehicle was unveiled in Tokyo Auto Salon 2010.
Stepwgn Modulo Style (2013)
It is a concept vehicle based on Honda Stepwgn.
The vehicle was unveiled in Tokyo Auto Salon 2013.
Production
For the month of July 2013, sales of Stepwgn reached 6,715 units.
Fifth generation (2015-)
The fifth generation Honda Stepwgn was introduced in April 2015. With an all-new 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo engine, the fifth-generation Step WGN features a functional cabin space, as well as an innovative tailgate mechanism called the Waku Waku Gate ("Waku Waku" meaning "exciting" in Japanese). The Waku Waku gate is a unique propulsion as the rear doors either function as a wide tailgate that opens up or a sub-door that opens to the side.